Gift Guide: Toys That Entertain and Educate

How do you find toys that children will play with long after the wrappings have been recycled? Think about what kind of play your children are involved and the toys that match. Do they need an active toy, something that can be played alone, or a game that requires a group? Here are a few favorites from Playmates and VTech toys.

Kuroba Training Pack by Playmates Toys

The Kuroba toy line is an all-new collectible line of cube-shaped creatures that puts a twist on the classic game of “rock-paper-scissors.” Each player selects rock, paper, or scissors, then folds up a Kuroba creature and locks it into game mode. They then slide two Kuroba toward each other, and the winning Kuroba literally captures the other!

Collect all 16 Kuroba, mix and match their panels to create unique Kuroba, and battle against friends to become a master Kuroba Keeper!

Read about Playmates Toys new Kuroba on their website. Watch Kuroba webisodes and other fun videos on the Kuroba World YouTube Channel or visit KurobaWorld.com. 

Photographed is the training pack with 1 transforming creature, 1 practice cube and 1 creature gem. The kids can practice their Kuroba battle skills and later increase their creatures for a world of fun.

This starter pack is recommended for kids ages 6 and up. It’s currently available at Target, Amazon, and Walmart with a MSRP of $8.99 each.

New Products by VTech Toys – check this website for all products!

Kidi Star Music Magic Microphone™

Set out on the path to stardom with the Kidi Star Music Magic Microphone™. Be the lead singer with this interactive microphone that features Music Magic mode, which reduces the main vocal track of your favorite songs so your own voice is center stage! Easily connect your MP3 player or mobile device and sing along to favorite tunes from your collection. The microphone is packed with exciting features like four games, four original songs, a voice changer with four effects and an applause button. Record yourself for up to two minutes and enjoy your performance again and again! Age 5 Years+, $29.99

Kidi Star also has a Karaoke Machine, which also includes a disco light and audience sounds like applause, cheering and laughter. Your child will feel like he/she is on a concert stage. This toy records the performance up to five minutes. It is recommended for ages 5 years and up, retailing at $49.99.

MickeyMouse has turned 90 years old, and in his honor, the VTech toy company has produced a variety of playthings.

Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Mickey Ramps Fun House

Ramp up the fun with Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Mickey Ramps Fun House. Take Mickey Mouse on an adventure with tracks that can mix and match to form three different play routes, two launch zones and includes two SmartPoint® locations. Watch Mickey Mouse and his Convertible ride around the track and off the ramp to see how far he can go! Spin the flower or the flag to promote motor skills or activate the SmartPoint® locations to listen to Mickey Mouse say fun phrases and encouraging words. Let’s jump to it! Ages 1-5 Years, $19.99.

And we can’t forget about Mickey’s girlfriend Minnie!

Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Minnie Ice Cream Parlor

Little sweeties will have a delightful time creating, exploring and playing with the Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Minnie Ice Cream Parlor. Take a ride with Minnie Mouse and her Ice Cream Truck down the tracks and through the gate, activating three SmartPoint® locations as you go. Drop ice cream shapes into the shape sorter and into Minnie Mouse’s Ice Cream Truck, raise the elevator, spin the gears and move the gate to promote motor skills. Listen to Minnie Mouse’s voice say fun phrases and encourage pretend play.  So brush off that sweet tooth and bite into this adventure! Perfect for ages 1-5 years, $29.99.

For more Disney adventure toys check out this website. 

Play is the very foundation of a child’s emotional, social, physical, cognitive and linguistic growth. Children learn through play – plain and simple. Including some of these toys will quench the toy wish and promote learning as well not only during the holidays but all year long.

Photos by Tania Cowling, all rights reserved
Package photo courtesy of pixabay.com

I would like to thank these companies for providing me samples of their products for my review. There was no payment for my blog post.